Great Britain’s National Energy System Operator has launched a consultation on the methodology that will underpin its first set of regional energy strategic plans, according to the organisation.
NESO said the consultation runs from 17 November 2025 to 16 January 2026 and will gather responses from customers and stakeholders across Great Britain.
The operator added that it will deliver 11 regional energy strategic plans, including one for Scotland, one for Wales and nine for English regions.
NESO said the plans will outline what energy infrastructure is needed, where it should be located and when it should be delivered to support local economic growth and sustainability.
The operator added that regional plans will form part of its wider whole-system approach to strategic energy planning.
The organisation said that for the first time it will engage directly with local customers and stakeholders to understand their priorities and needs.
NESO said the final methodology for the regional plans will be published in summer 2026 following approval from Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
It added that it will then work with local authorities, distribution networks, consumer groups and other stakeholders to deliver the first set of plans.
Julian Leslie (pictured), director of strategic energy planning and chief engineer at NESO, said: “To achieve the ambitions of every part of Great Britain and make the right choices to meet our future energy needs we need regional energy strategic plans that can reflect local priorities across every nation and region.”
He said: “Establishing a robust methodology for this first set of eleven plans is critical to ensuring that we keep local voices central to how we strategically plan the future energy system.”
He added: “The regional energy strategic plans will play a key role in helping to establish a secure, affordable and clean energy system, one that underpins economic growth and sustainability in communities across Great Britain.”